theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
ˈthir-ˌīz
theorized; theorizing

transitive verb

1
: to form a theory about
2
: to propose as a theory
theorization noun
theorizer noun

Examples of theorize in a Sentence

Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.
Recent Examples on the Web
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The comedian curls the viewer into the drama of his own debasement, Limon theorized, and the relationship is christened, if the joke works, with a laughter that amalgamates the many into one. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 Chief state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez theorized that the killers drove by and saw the foreigners' pickup truck and tents and wanted to steal their tires. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025 Others theorized that Earle would be going to Barstool Sports, given Portnoy’s post. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 Researchers theorize that laughing can help reduce cortisol levels, which can help temporarily boost your metabolism and prompt the body to burn additional calories.8 3. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theorize

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorize was in 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

theorize

verb
the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
theorized; theorizing
: to form a theory : speculate
theorizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on theorize

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